60s Steel & Teak Design

A few random shots from a hoard of stainless steel and teak serving ware collected when not stockpiling vintage menswear. A couple years ago, these pieces were available everywhere secondhand at a dollar or two each, but now not so much. I like their midcentury modern design and the tensions it engenders: dark warm wood grain and sleek stainless steel; flat sharp edges and rounded geometric forms; durable commonplace materials and elegant style; efficient, factory-made look and sweet domestic function.

Pieces are marked from Denmark, Hong Kong, Sweden, Japan, Germany, and the U.S., and often bear the 18/8 stainless steel mark, which represents the respective ratios of chromium and nickel present in the steel. Aside from having been abundant and affordable, what makes them easy to collect is the countless variation of form and function: bowls, plates, platters, covered serving dishes, segmented “school lunch” trays, flatware, candlesticks, salt and pepper shakers, oil and vinegar cruets, tea service, fondue sets… Maybe enough to post more examples later on.